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Colonoscopy

Find a Gastroenterologist

Whether you need a first consultation or a second opinion, find a doctor
near you who specializes in colon care.

What Is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a physician who manages diseases of the gastrointestinal
tract – including the colon and rectum. A gastroenterologist can
look for signs of diseases, like colon cancer, even if you don't have
symptoms. The expert team of gastroenterologists at Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital Rahway provides individual care and personal attention
at every step of your colon screening.

During your colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist will insert a thin tube
with a tiny camera into the rectum to see the inside of the colon. Your
gastroenterologist may wish to take a biopsy, or a small snip of tissue.
Since polyps can turn in to cancer, if your gastroenterologist finds a
polyp during your colonoscopy, the polyp will be promptly removed.

Why Do I Need To a Colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related
deaths; but it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through
proper colorectal cancer screening, like a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist
can find and remove polyps hidden in the colon before they become cancerous.
Sometimes, removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

Nearly 135,000 adults are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, but
early detection and diagnosis of cancer saves lives. By the age of 50,
all people should start getting regular screenings for colon cancer.

How often you should have a colonoscopy depends on many factors, including
whether your doctor finds polyps or cancer. Generally, if you are low
risk and a colonoscopy doesn’t find any polyps or cancer, your next
test won’t be for 10 years. But if you have polyps removed or have
increased risk factors like a family history of colon cancer, the exam
may need to be repeated in 5 years.

Colonoscopy 1,2,3

A colonoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to visualize the lining of
your large intestine. It can be performed as part of a routine screening,
for patients with known polyps or a family history of polyps, to evaluate
a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, to evaluate
bleeding, or to evaluate changes in the lining of the colon.

When it comes to detecting and preventing colon cancer, nothing is more
effective than a colonoscopy. But nothing is more dreaded, either. Follow
these 3 simple steps to help lessen your anxiety.

Make an AppointmentWhen scheduling your colonoscopy, keep in mind that you will need two days
off in a row, one for the prepping and one for the actual test. If you
work a Monday to Friday schedule, we recommend trying to schedule your
colonoscopy for a Monday morning, you can do the prep on Sunday and only
take off one day of work (Monday)
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Get PreppedSimply stated, a clean colon makes it easier for the gastroenterologist
to find and remove polyps. The preparation varies from consumption of
cleansing solution, laxatives, and clear liquid diet. Your physician will
instruct you regarding the cleansing method which is best for you.

On prep day, you will need to be close to a bathroom. Many people find
that flushable moistened wipes makes the process more comfortable.

Bring a BuddyDue to the sedation, you will not be able to drive, drink alcohol, or operate
machinery until the next day. So, bring a friend or loved one with you
to your colonoscopy. Not only they will be your transportation from your
colonoscopy, they can join you for a bite to eat after (Note: You will
be hungry!)

Fear or anxiety can make your colonoscopy less comfortable. So, ask questions
and speak up.

Reaching 80% Screened for Colorectal Cancer by 2018

RWJBarnabas Health is one of 500 local and national organizations to sign
a pledge to support 80% By 2018, an effort led by the American Cancer
Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), to reduce colorectal
cancer as a major public health problem and to work towards the shared
goal of 80 percent of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened
for colorectal cancer by 2018.